CHESTNUT HILL – After so much hype surrounding the program the last month or so, it was a fairly underwhelming day at Alumni Stadium on Saturday.
Thanks in large part to the baffling decision by administration to not let of-age kids tailgate, there was zero buzz around campus and the performance in the spring game sort of followed suit. It was pretty clear that the lack of juice after so much hard work during this spring season took the air out of the team’s collective balloon.
Still, a few guys did stand out and deserve to be recognized. Here are five players that made some noise throughout the 15 practices and should have a significant role on the team when camp starts in a few months.
1. Grayson James – Throughout camp, I’ve thought James could step in seamlessly and run this offense if anything ever happened to Castellanos. BC fans know all-too-well how quickly the second or even third string guy could be needed, and it appears the FIU transfer could easily handle it if the time came. He’s been good throughout camp and he was very good on Saturday (21-29, 228 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT). If you had never watched BC before and happened to swing by Alumni Stadium, you would have assumed he was QB1. Is there a QB controversy? No, not yet at least. Castellanos had three TD’s on the day, but only 127 yards and some really ugly throws that were either nearly-picked on nowhere near a receiver. James appears to fit this offense better right now, but he just isn’t as electric with his legs as TC is, he’s a human highlight reel waiting to happen when it comes to running. O’Brien will have a decision to make if Castellanos continues to be erratic with the ball, and James will make that decision a legitimate one in camp if he keeps playing like this.
2. Reed Harris – I’ve been talking about this kid in just about every single write up during spring season. He’s only a redshirt freshman, but he’s a very big target 6-3, 199 and catches just about everything thrown his way. He hauled in a sick TD catch from James during the game and had five catches for 91 yards on the day. This is a deep group, but if this is the production they’re going to get regularly, he’s got to see the field. Harris and Bradley form quite a dynamic duo when it comes to big receivers that can go up and get it on the outside, something the program hasn’t had in quite a while.
3. Luke McLaughlin – Another kid I’ve loved watching throughout camp. He’s literally mini Wes Welker (right down to wearing No. 83) and fans got to see it for themselves on Saturday. He’s the perfect 3rd-&5 or 6 guy and is extremely quick while running routes. Like Harris, he may not have a huge role, but he can absolutely be a valuable piece for this offense as a security blanket for the QB.
4. Ryan Turner – Amari Jackson and Max Tucker have stood out a bit more than him throughout camp, but the Ohio State transfer laid the wood today on running back Anthony Ferrucci and had two pass break ups. This DB group is also deep and Turner may fly under the radar a bit, which is just fine with his teammates and new defensive coordinator Tim Lewis.
5. Quintayvious Hutchins – Another guy who’s been popping in camp. Hutchins is physical as hell in the run game and has also shown quite a bit of speed as a pass rusher. The stout defensive end had some run stuffs on Saturday, totaling five tackles with a sack as well. This team needs playmakers on defense and Hutchins could very well be one for the Eagles in 2024 if he can keep up this level of play.